The PNG National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning as Tropical Cyclone Maila approaches the Southern Region. Currently a Category 3 system, the cyclone is expected to track toward Milne Bay by Thursday and could potentially intensify into a Category 4 storm.
The cyclone is currently situated in the Solomon Sea, northeast of Rossel Island, east of Woodlark Islands, and south of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
The National Weather Office has warned residents in coastal areas and outer islands to prepare for destructive winds, extreme rain, severe flooding, and dangerous storm surges. Impacted regions include:
- Milne Bay and Central Province
- National Capital District (NCD)
- East and West New Britain
- Morobe and AROB
Authorities have advised that all fishing trips and sea transport should be suspended until the storm passes.
Electricity Disruptions Expected
PNG Power Limited (PPL) has issued a warning regarding electricity supply disruptions across the affected provinces. The utility provider is appealing for patience as fallen trees and flooding are expected to impact infrastructure.
PNG Power’s Chief Technical Officer, Tony Koiri, said that severe weather has already caused damage over the last 48 hours in Madang, Morobe, Kimbe, and East New Britain. Flooding at Warangoi, Lake Hargy, and Ru Creek has also contributed to outages.
“Our teams are working tirelessly in Madang, Morobe, Kimbe, and East New Britain to connect communities,” Koiri said.
“Despite the dangerous conditions, PPL staff are maintaining operations at critical sites such as the Warangoi Dam, while also repairing fallen lines and clearing storm debris. Safety remains our top priority, and we urge the public to stay away from fallen powerlines and allow our crews to carry out their work.”
The public is strictly urged not to touch or interfere with fallen poles or lines during or after the storm.
Seasonal Outlook
Milne Bay remains particularly vulnerable to such systems due to its distance from the equator and its islands’ exposure to the open sea. However, PNG National Weather Service Assistant Director Benjamin Malai says that the threat of tropical cyclones should subside by the end of April.
Forecasters expect the cyclone to lose strength as it moves closer to mainland Papua New Guinea and Australia.
(Video: Assistant Director Benjamin Malai provides a weather update)